Absence of effect of stimulants on the pharmacokinetics of desipramine in children

We conducted a retrospective chart review to examine the pharmacokinetic in teraction between desipramine and the stimulants methylphenidate and dexedr ine using routinely monitored desipramine serum concentrations in children receiving desipramine either alone or with a stimulant. Subjects were 142 c hildren and adolescents (age 6-17 yrs; 113 taking desipramine, 29 taking de sipramine-stimulants) in whom 401 dose- and weight-normalized serum concent rations were evaluated (333 desipramine, 68 desipramine-stimulants). Desipr amine pharmacokinetic parameters were similar for both groups, including me an weight-corrected dose (3.66 +/- 1.36 mg/kg, desipramine; 3.66 +/- 1.09 m g/kg, desipramine-stimulants; p=0.97), weight-and dose-normalized serum con centrations (47.26 +/- 39.26 [mu g/L]/[mg/kg], desipramine, 39.02 +/- 19.92 [mu g/L]/[mg/kg], desipramine-stimulants; p=0.09), and clearance (0.690 +/ - 0.913 [L/kg]/hr, desipramine; 0.613 +/- 0.514 [L/kg]/hr, desipramine-stim ulants; p=0.499). When stratified by age, gender, and type of stimulant, no difference was detected (p>0.05) between groups. Our findings indicate the absence of a clinically significant interaction between desipramine and st imulants.